Saturday, February 9, 2013

Host homes are foster homes for unaccompanied refugee minors. These are children and youth who have lost their parents, have no other means of support and cannot go back to their native country. The United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) identifies and sends children to Utah from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They are eligible for this program up to the age of 21. Ensign Peak Services anticipates need for 10-12 new youth who will be seeking refuge in Utah. Host homes are reimbursed by Ensign Peak Services for the care and love they provide to the refugee children.

Most of our refugee children are teenagers. The tragedy that is occurring in Africa and Asia makes it very difficult for young children to survive. The children that do survive, typically have older siblings who carry them the long distances they have to walk.

These teenagers are amazing and have overcome so many challenges! They are excited to learn English, gain employment, and become US citizens. They are legal immigrants and have Medicaid to meet any health needs. Many of them love soccer and dancing. They are so full of life and joy!